Violator and tour complete. Mission accomplished. Last set of sprints was literally like watching a train wreck - saw it coming a mile and not a thing I could do about it. Time fo eat, drink a couple of beers and watch football. Well done by all.

I did note with curiosity that two riders dropped after stage 7. What a rough way to go.

Oppppsies, its so nice today I went for a 1:30hr MTB ride with some killer climbs, like 12% grade climbs in it. Took a nasty slide/hit too. Hip is getting very stiff, monster bruise, lump growing, torn kit... Violator later today is gonna be tough! Will get it done, not coming this far without finishing.

Done!! Wow, that was both fun and truly miserable at the same time. A week ago, after finished ISLAGIATT, I wasn't so sure I was going to make it through today. Was the toughest cycling thing I've ever done, but glad I did it. now I need to rest up, leave my bike along for a couple days and go figure out what those running shoes and swim shorts are for.

Congrats to everyone who finished. this has been a really fun thread, and we'll have to check in on Friday to see if anyone won anything. I think we all qualify for a free psychological exam for doing this in the first place...

Congrats everyone who finished. That was a brutal week, but what a feeling to be done with it. That last ride I felt so victorious until the last stupid crazy set. The feeling of victory wasn't as great after that set seeing as I was gasping for air and sweating buckets and cursing life.

So, Sufferlandrians, what did you learn about yourself this week? Honestly this felt totally different than last year. This year the minions had a plan for suffering and they kept good on that plan. Me personally, judging from my numbers I need to work on 2 things. 1 - Longer rides. I've only done sprint tris up to this point and while I've done some longer rides I've never pushed myself over the course of 2 hours like some of these rides did. I find myself going too easy once I hit ~30 miles outside, although some of that is probably because I knew my longest races would be 20, but this year I'm stepping up to Oly and HIM. I need to get uncomfortable for a longer time out there #2 - big gear work. Mashing 80 and less RPM was a killer for me. When I followed the suggested cadences and they were low I'd die. I need to get myself out of that comfort zone more often. I'm going to wait a few days, maybe a week, and re-test my FTP, see if there are any measurable gains besides my butt being able to withstand a bike saddle for extended periods of time.

Final TrainerRoad stats show a finisher rate of 58.5%. This is using the numbers they provide for folks signed up, and how many finsihed. I'm sure several handfuls signed up but didn't start, etc, but thats what they are showing.

Congratulations to everyone who finished the tour! This was my 1st one and thought it was pretty tough. For those of you that also did last year's tour, how did they compare?

Tough question. They were both very similar, but I actually think that 2013 was a bit tougher. Here's why: Last year Day 1 start with HHNF vs. Rubber Glove. HHNF basically has a entire 20 minute at FTP plus the rest of the workout is dang tough.

Most days were pretty close, but 2013 TOS has Day 7 of Downward Spiral and day 8 of There is No Try + Revolver. That was killer. I think I'd rather do Blender (2014 Day 8) vs. day 7 (Downward Spiral) any day and I also think Local Hero (2013 Day 9) is tougher than Violator (2014 Day 9).

Overall, however, this is like asking if you'd rather get hit in the head with a shovel or a hammer. I'm not sure either is much more appealing.

Originally posted by TriDadinAsheville "Overall, however, this is like asking if you'd rather get hit in the head with a shovel or a hammer. I'm not sure either is much more appealing." Thats about one of the funniest quotes I've heard in some time! I didn't do last year, but that tells me all I need to know.

X2, Thanks for the good info David and I was literally LOL when I got to your great quote!

I did both and I thought 2014 was tougher. It seemed like it was endless, and they threw the FTP test on at the start to keep you honest, and to totally fry you before you even start the week. I'd consider 2013 the shovel. I'll take the shovel.